1
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Huang H, Wang W. Molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoid resistance. Eur J Clin Invest 2023; 53:e13901. [PMID: 36346177 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a powerful anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and antiproliferative drug, glucocorticoid (GC) plays an important role in the treatment of various diseases. However, some patients may experience glucocorticoid resistance (GCR) in clinical, and its molecular mechanism have not been determined. METHODS The authors performed a review of the literature on GCR focusing on mutations in the NR3C1 gene and impaired glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signalling, using METSTR (2000 through May 2022) to identify original articles and reviews on this topic. The search terms included 'glucocorticoid resistance/insensitive', 'steroid resistance/insensitive', 'NR3C1', and 'glucocorticoid receptor'. RESULTS Primary GCR is mainly caused by NR3C1 gene mutation, and 31 NR3C1 gene mutations have been reported so far. Secondary GCR is caused by impaired GC signalling pathways, including decreased expression of GR, impaired nuclear translocation of GR, and impaired binding of GR to GC and GR to target genes. However, the current research is more on the expression level of GR, and there are relatively few studies on other mechanisms. In addition, methods for improving GC sensitivity are rarely reported. CONCLUSION The molecular mechanisms of GCR are complex and may differ in different diseases or different patients. In future studies, when exploring the mechanism of GCR, methods to improve GC sensitivity should also be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanming Huang
- The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wenqing Wang
- The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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2
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Functional and Structural Impact of Deleterious Missense Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the NR3C1, CYP3A5, and TNF-α Genes: An In Silico Analysis. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091307. [PMID: 36139147 PMCID: PMC9496109 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human diseases are generally influenced by SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). The mutations in amino acid residues generated by deleterious SNPs contribute to the structural and functional diversity of the encoded protein. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1), and Cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5) play a key role in glucocorticoid resistance susceptibility in humans. Possible causative mutations could be used as therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers for glucocorticoid resistance. This study evaluated the missense SNPs of TNF-α, NR3C1, and CYP3A5 to predict their impact on amino acid changes, protein interaction, and functional stability. The protein sequence of dbSNP was obtained and used online in silico method to screen deleterious mutants for the in silico analysis. In the coding regions of TNF-α, NR3C1, and CYP3A5, 14 deleterious mutations were discovered. The protein functional and stability changes in the amino acid between native and mutant energy were identified by analyzing the changes in the hydrogen bonding of these mutants from native, which were all measured using Swiss PDB and PyMOL. F446S and R439K had the highest root-mean-square deviation (RMSD) values among the 14 deleterious mutants. Additionally, the conserved region of amino acid protein interaction was analyzed. This study could aid in the discovery of new detrimental mutations in TNF-α, NR3C1, and CYP3A5, as well as the development of long-term therapy for corticosteroid resistance in several inflammatory diseases. However, more research into the deleterious mutations of the TNF-α, NR3C1, and CYP3A5 genes is needed to determine their role in corticosteroid resistance.
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3
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Role of glucocorticoid receptor mutations in hypertension and adrenal gland hyperplasia. Pflugers Arch 2022; 474:829-840. [PMID: 35732960 PMCID: PMC9217122 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-022-02715-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the leading causes of premature death in humans and exhibits a complex aetiology including environmental and genetic factors. Mutations within the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) can cause glucocorticoid resistance, which is characterized by several clinical features like hypercortisolism, hypokalaemia, adrenal hyperplasia and hypertension. Altered glucocorticoid receptor signalling further affects sodium and potassium homeostasis as well as blood pressure regulation and cell proliferation and differentiation that influence organ development and function. In salt-sensitive hypertension, excessive renal salt transport and sympathetic nervous system stimulation may occur simultaneously, and, thus, both the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and the GR-signalling may be implicated or even act interdependently. This review focuses on identified GR mutations in human primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance (PGGR) patients and their related clinical phenotype with specific emphasis on adrenal gland hyperplasia and hypertension. We compare these findings to mouse and rat mutants harbouring genetically engineered mutations to further dissect the cause and/or the consequence of clinical features which are common or different.
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4
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Nicolaides NC, Charmandari E. Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance and Hypersensitivity Syndromes: A 2021 Update. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910839. [PMID: 34639183 PMCID: PMC8509180 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are the final products of the neuroendocrine hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and play an important role in the stress response to re-establish homeostasis when it is threatened, or perceived as threatened. These steroid hormones have pleiotropic actions through binding to their cognate receptor, the human glucocorticoid receptor, which functions as a ligand-bound transcription factor inducing or repressing the expression of a large number of target genes. To achieve homeostasis, glucocorticoid signaling should have an optimal effect on all tissues. Indeed, any inappropriate glucocorticoid effect in terms of quantity or quality has been associated with pathologic conditions, which are characterized by short-term or long-lasting detrimental effects. Two such conditions, the primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance and hypersensitivity syndromes, are discussed in this review article. Undoubtedly, the tremendous progress of structural, molecular, and cellular biology, in association with the continued progress of biotechnology, has led to a better and more in-depth understanding of these rare endocrinologic conditions, as well as more effective therapeutic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas C. Nicolaides
- First Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece;
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
- Correspondence:
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- First Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece;
- Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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5
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Glucocorticoid resistance conferring mutation in the C-terminus of GR alters the receptor conformational dynamics. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12515. [PMID: 34131228 PMCID: PMC8206104 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92039-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor is a key regulator of essential physiological processes, which under the control of the Hsp90 chaperone machinery, binds to steroid hormones and steroid-like molecules and in a rather complicated and elusive response, regulates a set of glucocorticoid responsive genes. We here examine a human glucocorticoid receptor variant, harboring a point mutation in the last C-terminal residues, L773P, that was associated to Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance, a condition originating from decreased affinity to hormone, impairing one or multiple aspects of GR action. Using in vitro and in silico methods, we assign the conformational consequences of this mutation to particular GR elements and report on the altered receptor properties regarding its binding to dexamethasone, a NCOA-2 coactivator-derived peptide, DNA, and importantly, its interaction with the chaperone machinery of Hsp90.
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6
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Martins CS, de Castro M. Generalized and tissue specific glucocorticoid resistance. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 530:111277. [PMID: 33864884 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones that influence several physiologic functions and are among the most frequently prescribed drugs worldwide. Resistance to GCs has been observed in the context of the familial generalized GC resistance (Chrousos' syndrome) or tissue specific GC resistance in chronic inflammatory states. In this review, we have summarized the major factors that influence individual glucocorticoid sensitivity/resistance. The fine-tuning of GC action is determined in a tissue-specific fashion that includes the combination of different GC receptor promoters, translation initiation sites, splice isoforms, interacting proteins, post-translational modifications, and alternative mechanisms of signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Silva Martins
- Department of Internal Medicine - Ribeirao Preto Medical School - University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil; School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Margaret de Castro
- Department of Internal Medicine - Ribeirao Preto Medical School - University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
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7
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Abstract
ABSTRACT A potential cause of the variable response to injury and sepsis is the variability of a patient's human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR) profile. To identify hGR variants, blood samples were collected on admission and biweekly thereafter from hospitalized patients who sustained at least a 20% total body surface area burn injury. A hyperactive G1376T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) isoform was identified. This SNP led to a single amino acid change of glutamine to valine at site 459, "G459V," in the DNA-binding domain. The isoform's activity was tested in a reporter assay after treatment with steroids, the hGR antagonist RU486 (mifepristone) alone, or RU486 followed by steroids. When treated with hydrocortisone, the hGR G459V isoform had a hyperactive response; its activity was over 30 times greater than the reference hGRα. Unexpectedly, G459V had significantly increased activity when treated with the hGR antagonist RU486. With the combination of both RU486 and hydrocortisone, G459V activity was repressed, but greater than that of RU486 alone. Finally, when hGRα was cotransfected with G459V to simulate isoform interaction, the activity was closer to that of the hGRα profile than the G459V isoform. The unique activity of the G459V isoform shows that some variants of hGR have the potential to alter a person's response to stress and steroid treatment and may be a factor as to why mitigating the clinical response to sepsis and other stressors has been so elusive.
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8
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Panagiotopoulos AA, Polioudaki C, Ntallis SG, Dellis D, Notas G, Panagiotidis CA, Theodoropoulos PA, Castanas E, Kampa M. The sequence [EKRKI(E/R)(K/L/R/S/T)] is a nuclear localization signal for importin 7 binding (NLS7). Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129851. [PMID: 33482249 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nuclear translocation of large proteins is mediated through specific protein carriers, collectively named karyopherins (importins, exportins and adaptor proteins). Cargo proteins are recognized by importins through specific motifs, known as nuclear localization signals (NLS). However, only the NLS recognized by importin α and transportin (M9 NLS) have been identified so far METHODS: An unsupervised in silico approach was used, followed by experimental validation. RESULTS We identified the sequence EKRKI(E/R)(K/L/R/S/T) as an NLS signal for importin 7 recognition. This sequence was validated in the breast cancer cell line T47D, which expresses importin 7. Finally, we verified that importin 7-mediated nuclear protein transport is affected by cargo protein phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS The NLS sequence for importin 7 was identified and we propose this approach as an identification method of novel specific NLS sequences for β-karyopherin family members. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Elucidating the complex relationships of the nuclear transporters and their cargo proteins may help in laying the foundation for the development of novel therapeutics, targeting specific importins, with an immediate translational impact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chara Polioudaki
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71013, Greece
| | - Sotirios G Ntallis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | | | - George Notas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71013, Greece
| | - Christos A Panagiotidis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | | | - Elias Castanas
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71013, Greece.
| | - Marilena Kampa
- Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71013, Greece.
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9
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A Novel Pathogenic Variant in the N-Terminal Domain of the Glucocorticoid Receptor, Causing Glucocorticoid Resistance. Mol Diagn Ther 2020; 24:473-485. [DOI: 10.1007/s40291-020-00480-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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10
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Ji H, Li Y, Liu Z, Tang M, Zou L, Su F, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Li H, Li L, Ai B, Ma J, Wang L, Liu M, Xiao F. Quantitative Evaluation of the Transcriptional Activity of Steroid Hormone Receptor Mutants and Variants Using a Single Vector With Two Reporters and a Receptor Expression Cassette. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:167. [PMID: 32296391 PMCID: PMC7137763 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing has led to the identification of a large number of truncated or mutated steroid hormone receptor (SHR) variants, their clinical relevance remains to be defined. A platform for functional analysis of these SHR variants in cells would be instrumental for better assessing their impact on normal physiology and SHR-associated diseases. Here we have developed a new reporter system that allows rapid and accurate assessment of the transcriptional activity of SHR variants in cells. The reporter is a single construct containing a firefly luciferase reporter gene, whose expression is under the control of a promoter with multiple steroid hormone responsive elements, and a Renilla luciferase reporter gene, that is constitutively expressed under the control of an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and is not regulated by steroid hormones. The corresponding SHR (wildtype or mutant/variant) is also expressed from the same construct. Using this improved reporter system, we revealed a large spectrum of transactivation activities within a set of previously identified mutations and variations of the androgen receptor (AR), the estrogen receptor α (ERα) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). This novel reporter system enables functional analysis of SHR mutants and variants in physiological and pathological settings, offering valuable preclinical, or diagnostic information for the understanding and treatment of associated diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Biological Assay/methods
- COS Cells
- Cells, Cultured
- Chlorocebus aethiops
- Cloning, Molecular/methods
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/genetics
- Estrogen Receptor alpha/physiology
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Genes, Reporter/drug effects
- Genetic Vectors/genetics
- HEK293 Cells
- Hep G2 Cells
- Hormones/pharmacology
- Humans
- Luciferases, Firefly/genetics
- Mutant Proteins/physiology
- Mutation
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/drug effects
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/physiology
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/physiology
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/genetics
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/physiology
- Transcriptional Activation/drug effects
- Transcriptional Activation/genetics
- Transfection/methods
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Ji
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Li
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commissions, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Min Tang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lihui Zou
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commissions, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Su
- Clinical Biobank, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqun Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junhua Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commissions, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hexin Li
- Clinical Biobank, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Ai
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Center for Biotherapy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lunan Wang
- National Center for Clinical Laboratories, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Beijing Hospital, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Urology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Xiao
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commissions, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Clinical Biobank, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Abstract
Low-renin hypertension affects 30% of hypertensive patients. Primary hyperaldosteronism presents with low renin and aldosterone excess. Low-renin, low-aldosterone hypertension represents a wide spectrum of disorders that includes essential low-renin hypertension, hereditary forms of hypertension, and hypertension secondary to endogenous or exogenous factors. This review addresses the different conditions that present with low-renin hypertension, discussing an appropriate diagnostic approach and highlighting the genetic subtypes within familial forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobana Athimulam
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Natalia Lazik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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12
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Vitellius G, Delemer B, Caron P, Chabre O, Bouligand J, Pussard E, Trabado S, Lombes M. Impaired 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 in Glucocorticoid-Resistant Patients. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:5205-5216. [PMID: 31225872 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Six patients carrying heterozygous loss-of-function mutations of glucocorticoid (GC) receptor (GR) presented with hypercortisolism, associated with low kalemia, low plasma renin, and aldosterone levels, with or without hypertension, suggesting a pseudohypermineralocorticism whose mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesize that an impaired activity of the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2; encoded by the HSD11B2 gene), catalyzing cortisol (F) inactivation, may account for an inappropriate activation of a renal mineralocorticoid signaling pathway in these GC-resistant patients. OBJECTIVE We aim at studying the GR-mediated regulation of HSD11B2. DESIGN The HSD11B2 promoter was subcloned and luciferase reporter assays evaluated GR-dependent HSD11B2 regulation, and 11β-HSD2 expression/activity was studied in human breast cancer MCF7 cells, endogenously expressing this enzyme. RESULTS Transfection assays revealed that GR transactivated the long (2.1-kbp) HSD11B2 promoter construct, whereas a defective 501H GR mutant was unable to stimulate luciferase activity. GR-mediated transactivation of the HSD11B2 gene was inhibited by the GR antagonist RU486. A threefold increase in HSD11B2 mRNA levels was observed after dexamethasone (DXM) treatment of MCF7 cells, inhibited by RU486 or by actinomycin, supporting a GR-dependent transcription. Chromatin immunoprecipitation further demonstrated a DXM-dependent GR recruitment onto the HSD11B2 promoter. 11β-HSD2 activity, evaluated by the cortisone/F ratio, quantified by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry, was 10-fold higher in the supernatant of DXM-treated cells than controls, consistent with a GR-dependent stimulation of 11β-HSD2 catalytic activity. CONCLUSION Collectively, we demonstrate that 11β-HSD2 expression and activity are transcriptionally regulated by GR. In the context of GR haploinsufficiency, these findings provide evidence that defective GR signaling may account for apparent mineralocorticoid excess in GC-resistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Géraldine Vitellius
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité Mixte de Recherche_S U1185, Faculty of Medicine at Université Paris-Sud, University Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Brigitte Delemer
- Service d'Endocrinologie-Diabète-Nutrition, Hôpital Robert Debré, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Reims, Reims, France
| | - Philippe Caron
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Pôle Cardio-Vasculaire et Métabolique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Larrey, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Chabre
- Endocrinologie, Pavillon des Écrins, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Grenoble, La Tronche, Grenoble, France
| | - Jérôme Bouligand
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité Mixte de Recherche_S U1185, Faculty of Medicine at Université Paris-Sud, University Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
- Service de Génétique Moléculaire, Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Sud, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bicêtre, France
| | - Eric Pussard
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité Mixte de Recherche_S U1185, Faculty of Medicine at Université Paris-Sud, University Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
- Service de Génétique Moléculaire, Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Sud, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bicêtre, France
| | - Séverine Trabado
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité Mixte de Recherche_S U1185, Faculty of Medicine at Université Paris-Sud, University Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
- Service de Génétique Moléculaire, Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Sud, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bicêtre, France
| | - Marc Lombes
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale Unité Mixte de Recherche_S U1185, Faculty of Medicine at Université Paris-Sud, University Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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13
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Yamanaka K, Okuda M, Mizuno T. Functional characterization of canine wild type glucocorticoid receptor and an insertional mutation in a dog. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:363. [PMID: 31651346 PMCID: PMC6813069 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2129-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glucocorticoids, among the most widely utilized drugs in veterinary medicine, are employed to treat a wide variety of diseases; however, their use often induces adverse events in dogs. The efficacy of glucocorticoids usually depends on dosage, although differences in sensitivity to glucocorticoids in individual animals have been reported. Glucocorticoids bind to the cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which is expressed in almost all cells. These receptors are key factors in determining individual sensitivity to glucocorticoids. This study examined individual differences in glucocorticoid sensitivity in dogs, focusing on reactivity of the GR to prednisolone. Results We first molecularly cloned the GR gene from a healthy dog. We discovered a mutant GR in a dog suspected to have iatrogenic Cushing syndrome. The mutant GR had extra nucleotides between exons 6 and 7, resulting in a truncated form of GR that was 98 amino acids shorter than the wild-type dog GR. The truncated GR exhibited very low reactivity to prednisolone, irrespective of concentration. Conclusions We have identified the truncated form of canine GR in a dog with iatrogenic Cushing syndrome. This truncated form showed the very less sensitivity to glucocorticoid in vitro, unfortunately, we could not elucidate its clinical significance. However, our data is a first report about the function of canine GR, and will facilitate the analysis of canine glucocorticoid sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosei Yamanaka
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi-shi, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan
| | - Masaru Okuda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi-shi, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan
| | - Takuya Mizuno
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi-shi, Yamaguchi, 753-8515, Japan.
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14
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Abstract
Primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance or Chrousos syndrome is a rare disorder, which affects all tissues expressing the human glucocorticoid receptor. It is characterized by generalized, partial tissue insensitivity to glucocorticoids caused by genetic defects in the NR3C1 gene. We and others have applied standard methods of molecular and structural biology to investigate the molecular mechanisms and conformational alterations through which the mutant glucocorticoid receptors lead to the broad spectrum of clinical manifestations of Chrousos syndrome. The ever-increasing application of novel technologies, including the next-generation sequencing, will enhance our knowledge in factors that influence the glucocorticoid signal transduction in a positive or negative fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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15
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Al Argan R, Saskin A, Yang JW, D'Agostino MD, Rivera J. Glucocorticoid resistance syndrome caused by a novel NR3C1 point mutation. Endocr J 2018; 65:1139-1146. [PMID: 30158362 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej18-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid resistance syndrome (GRS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by inactivating mutations of the NR3C1 gene which encodes the glucocorticoid receptor. The phenotypic spectrum is broad but typically include symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, mineralocorticoid excess and hyperandrogenism. We report a new case associated with a novel NR3C1 mutation. A 55-year-old woman with lifelong history of low body weight, hyperandrogenism and anxiety was seen at the endocrine clinic after left adrenalectomy and salpingoophorectomy for lesions suspicious of ovarian cancer and adrenal metastasis. The tumors turned out to be a 3.5 cm benign ovarian serous adenofibroma and a 3.5 cm multinodular adrenal mass. She complained of worsened fatigue and inability to recover weight lost with surgery. Pre-operative serum and urinary cortisol were elevated, but she had no stigma of Cushing's syndrome. Plasma ACTH was elevated and a 1-mcg cosyntropin stimulation test was normal. Her fatigue persisted over ensuing years and ACTH-dependent hypercortisolemia remained stable. Low dose oral dexamethasone failed to suppress endogenous cortisol. A pituitary MRI was normal but revealed incidental brain aneurysms. Bone densitometry showed profound osteoporosis. On the bases of this contradictory clinical picture, glucocorticoid resistance syndrome (GRS) was suspected. Using next generation sequencing technology, a novel heterozygous pathogenic variant in the NR3C1 gene was detected. We speculate that vascular malformations and profound osteoporosis, findings associated to cortisol excess, reflect in our patient a variable tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoids. In conclusion, in patients with clinically unexpected ACTH-dependent hypercortisolemia, primary glucocorticoid resistance (GRS) should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Al Argan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Avi Saskin
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ji Wei Yang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maria Daniela D'Agostino
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Juan Rivera
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Kino T. Single Nucleotide Variations of the Human GR Gene Manifested as Pathologic Mutations or Polymorphisms. Endocrinology 2018; 159:2506-2519. [PMID: 29762667 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-03254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The human genome contains numerous single nucleotide variations, and the human glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene harbors ∼450 of these genetic changes. Among them, extremely rare, nonsynonymous variants, known as pathologic GR gene mutations, develop a characteristic pathologic condition, familial/sporadic generalized glucocorticoid resistance syndrome, by replacing the amino acids critical for GR protein structure and functions, whereas others, known as pathologic polymorphisms, develop mild manifestations recognized mainly at population bases by changing the GR activities slightly. Recent progress on the structural analysis to the GR protein and subsequent computer-based structural simulation revealed details of the molecular defects caused by such pathologic GR gene mutations, including their impact on the receptor interaction to ligands, nuclear receptor coactivators (NCoAs) or DNA glucocorticoid response elements (GREs). Indeed, those found in the GR ligand-binding domain significantly damage protein structure of the ligand-binding pocket and/or the activation function-2 transactivation domain and change their molecular interaction to glucocorticoids or the LxxLL signature motif of NCoAs. Two mutations found in GR DNA-binding domain also affect interaction of the mutant receptors to GRE DNA by affecting the critical amino acid for the interaction or changing local hydrophobic circumstance. In this review, I discuss recent findings on the structural simulation of the pathologic GR mutants in connection to their functional and clinical impacts, along with a brief explanation to recent research achievement on the GR polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoshige Kino
- Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
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17
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Wang H, Gou X, Jiang T, Ouyang J. The effects of microRNAs on glucocorticoid responsiveness. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2017; 143:1005-1011. [DOI: 10.1007/s00432-017-2388-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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18
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Green TL, Tung K, Lim D, Leventhal SM, Cho K, Greenhalgh DG. A novel human glucocorticoid receptor SNP results in increased transactivation potential. Biochem Biophys Rep 2016; 9:140-145. [PMID: 28955999 PMCID: PMC5614576 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are one of the most widely used therapeutics in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory disorders. However, it is known that there are variable patient responses to glucocorticoid treatment; there are responders and non-responders, or those that need higher dosages. Polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) have been implicated in this variability. In this study, ninety-seven volunteers were surveyed for polymorphisms in the human GR-alpha (hGRα), the accepted biologically active reference isoform. One isoform identified in our survey, named hGR DL-2, had four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), one synonymous and three non-synonymous, and a four base pair deletion resulting in a frame shift and early termination to produce a 743 amino acid putative protein. hGR DL-2 had a decrease in transactivation potential of more than 90%. Upon further analysis of the individual SNPs and deletion, one SNP, A829G, which results in a lysine to glutamic acid amino acid change at position 277, was found to increase the transactivation potential of hGR more than eight times the full-length reference. Furthermore, the hGRα-A829G isoform had a differential hyperactive response to various exogenous steroids. Increasing our knowledge as to how various SNPs affect hGR activity may help in understanding the unpredictable patient response to steroid treatment, and is a step towards personalizing patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tajia L Green
- Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, and Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Kelly Tung
- Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, and Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Debora Lim
- Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, and Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Stacey M Leventhal
- Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, and Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Kiho Cho
- Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, and Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - David G Greenhalgh
- Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, and Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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19
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Nicolaides NC, Skyrla E, Vlachakis D, Psarra AMG, Moutsatsou P, Sertedaki A, Kossida S, Charmandari E. Functional characterization of the hGRαT556I causing Chrousos syndrome. Eur J Clin Invest 2016; 46:42-9. [PMID: 26541474 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chrousos syndrome is a rare pathologic condition characterized by generalized, partial resistance of target tissues to glucocorticoids and caused by inactivating mutations of the human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR) gene. A novel case of Chrousos syndrome has been reported in a patient with adrenal incidentaloma, who harboured a heterozygous point mutation in the hGR gene, which resulted in threonine (T) to isoleucine (I) substitution at amino acid position 556 in the ligand-binding domain of the receptor. OBJECTIVE To delineate the molecular mechanisms through which the mutant receptor hGRαT556I causes Chrousos syndrome. DESIGN AND RESULTS Compared with the wild-type receptor, the mutant receptor hGRαT556I demonstrated 50% reduction in its ability to transactivate glucocorticoid-responsive genes and in the affinity for the ligand, 30% increase in the ability to transrepress the nuclear factor-κB-target genes and a 3,4-fold delay in the cytoplasmic-to-nuclear translocation. The mutant receptor hGRαT556I did not exert a dominant negative effect upon the hGRα-mediated transcriptional activity; it preserved its ability to bind to DNA and interacted with the glucocorticoid receptor-interacting protein 1 coactivator mostly through its activation function-1 domain. Structural biology studies revealed that the T556I mutation caused disruption of the hydrogen bond formed by the T556 with the =O group of P637 backbone, which resulted in a significant relocation of the P637-bearing loop. This conformational alteration affected the local 3D arrangement of the receptor and hence the electrostatic surface of the region. CONCLUSIONS The hGRαT556I causes Chrousos syndrome by impairing multiple steps of the glucocorticoid signal transduction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Skyrla
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics Team, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna-Maria G Psarra
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Moutsatsou
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Athens Medical School, 'Attiko' Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Amalia Sertedaki
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sophia Kossida
- Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics Team, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,IMGT®, The International ImMunoGeneTics Information System®, Institute of Human Genetics, Montpellier, France
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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20
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Nicolaides NC, Geer EB, Vlachakis D, Roberts ML, Psarra AMG, Moutsatsou P, Sertedaki A, Kossida S, Charmandari E. A novel mutation of the hGR gene causing Chrousos syndrome. Eur J Clin Invest 2015; 45:782-91. [PMID: 26031419 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural mutations in the human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR, NR3C1) gene cause Chrousos syndrome, a rare condition characterized by generalized, partial, target-tissue insensitivity to glucocorticoids. OBJECTIVE To present a new case of Chrousos syndrome caused by a novel mutation in the hGR gene, and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms through which the natural mutant receptor affects glucocorticoid signal transduction. DESIGN AND RESULTS The index case presented with hirsutism, acne, alopecia, anxiety, fatigue and irregular menstrual cycles, but no clinical manifestations suggestive of Cushing's syndrome. Endocrinologic evaluation revealed elevated 08:00 h plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone, serum cortisol and androstenedione concentrations and increased urinary free cortisol excretion. The patient harbored a novel A > G transition at nucleotide position 2177, which resulted in histidine (H) to arginine (R) substitution at amino acid position 726 of the receptor (c.2177A > G, p.H726R). Compared with the wild-type receptor, the mutant receptor hGRαH726R demonstrated decreased ability to transactivate glucocorticoid-responsive genes and to transrepress the nuclear factor-κB signalling pathway, displayed 55% lower affinity for the ligand and a four-fold delay in nuclear translocation, and interacted with the glucocorticoid receptor-interacting protein 1 coactivator mostly through its activation function-1 domain. Finally, a 3-dimensional molecular modelling study of the H726R mutation revealed a significant structural shift in the rigidity of helix 10 of the receptor, which resulted in reduced flexibility and decreased affinity of the mutant receptor for binding to the ligand. CONCLUSIONS The natural mutant receptor hGRαH726R impairs multiple steps of glucocorticoid signal transduction, thereby decreasing tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eliza B Geer
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Bone Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai School, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics Team, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael L Roberts
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna-Maria G Psarra
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Moutsatsou
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, 'Attiko' Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Amalia Sertedaki
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sophia Kossida
- Bioinformatics and Medical Informatics Team, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,IMGT®, The International ImMunoGeneTics Information System®, Institute of Human Genetics, Montpellier, France
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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21
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Nicolaides NC, Charmandari E. Chrousos syndrome: from molecular pathogenesis to therapeutic management. Eur J Clin Invest 2015; 45:504-14. [PMID: 25715669 DOI: 10.1111/eci.12426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary Generalized Glucocorticoid Resistance or Chrousos syndrome is a rare genetic condition characterized by end-organ insensitivity to glucocorticoids owing to inactivating mutations of the NR3C1 gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a systematic review of the published, peer-reviewed medical literature using MEDLINE (1975 through November 2014) to identify original articles and reviews on this topic. The search terms included 'primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance', 'Chrousos syndrome', 'glucocorticoid receptor gene' and 'glucocorticoid receptor mutations'. RESULTS Only a few cases of Chrousos syndrome have been described to date, ranging from asymptomatic to severe forms of mineralocorticoid and/or androgen excess. All reported cases have been associated with point mutations or deletions in the NR3C1 gene. The tremendous progress of molecular biology has enabled us to apply standard methods to investigate the molecular mechanisms of action of the mutant glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). We and others have identified and functionally characterized novel mutations causing Chrousos syndrome, while structural biology has enabled us to have a better understanding of how conformational changes of the receptor cause glucocorticoid resistance. In this review, we also present our results of the functional characterization of two recently described mutations, and we discuss the diagnostic approaches and therapeutic management of patients with Chrousos syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Although Chrousos syndrome is a rare condition, many clinical cases remain unrecognized for a long time. We recommend determination of the 24-h urinary free cortisol excretion and sequencing of the NR3C1 gene in patients with hyperandrogenism and/or hypertension of unknown origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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22
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Abstract
This review considers pharmacogenetics of the so called 'second-generation' antipsychotics. Findings for polymorphisms replicating in more than one study are emphasized and compared and contrasted with larger-scale candidate gene studies and genome-wide association study analyses. Variants in three types of genes are discussed: pharmacokinetic genes associated with drug metabolism and disposition, pharmacodynamic genes encoding drug targets, and pharmacotypic genes impacting disease presentation and subtype. Among pharmacokinetic markers, CYP2D6 metabolizer phenotype has clear clinical significance, as it impacts dosing considerations for aripiprazole, iloperidone and risperidone, and variants of the ABCB1 gene hold promise as biomarkers for dosing for olanzapine and clozapine. Among pharmacodynamic variants, the TaqIA1 allele of the DRD2 gene, the DRD3 (Ser9Gly) polymorphism, and the HTR2C -759C/T polymorphism have emerged as potential biomarkers for response and/or side effects. However, large-scale candidate gene studies and genome-wide association studies indicate that pharmacotypic genes may ultimately prove to be the richest source of biomarkers for response and side effect profiles for second-generation antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Brennan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
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23
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Nicolaides NC, Charmandari E, Chrousos GP, Kino T. Recent advances in the molecular mechanisms determining tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoids: novel mutations, circadian rhythm and ligand-induced repression of the human glucocorticoid receptor. BMC Endocr Disord 2014; 14:71. [PMID: 25155432 PMCID: PMC4155765 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6823-14-71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are pleiotropic hormones, which are involved in almost every cellular, molecular and physiologic network of the organism, and regulate a broad spectrum of physiologic functions essential for life. The cellular response to glucocorticoids displays profound variability both in magnitude and in specificity of action. Tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoids differs among individuals, within tissues of the same individual and within the same cell. The actions of glucocorticoids are mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor, a ubiquitously expressed intracellular, ligand-dependent transcription factor. Multiple mechanisms, such as pre-receptor ligand metabolism, receptor isoform expression, and receptor-, tissue-, and cell type-specific factors, exist to generate diversity as well as specificity in the response to glucocorticoids. Alterations in the molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoid receptor action impair glucocorticoid signal transduction and alter tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoids. This review summarizes the recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms determining tissue sensitivity to glucocorticoids with particular emphasis on novel mutations and new information on the circadian rhythm and ligand-induced repression of the glucocorticoid receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
- Saudi Diabetes Study Research Group, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tomoshige Kino
- Unit on Molecular Hormone Action, Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 2089, USA
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24
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Vandevyver S, Dejager L, Libert C. Comprehensive overview of the structure and regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor. Endocr Rev 2014; 35:671-93. [PMID: 24937701 DOI: 10.1210/er.2014-1010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are among the most prescribed drugs worldwide for the treatment of numerous immune and inflammatory disorders. They exert their actions by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. There are several GR isoforms resulting from alternative RNA splicing and translation initiation of the GR transcript. Additionally, these isoforms are all subject to several transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational modifications, all of which affect the protein's stability and/or function. In this review, we summarize recent knowledge on the distinct GR isoforms and the processes that generate them. We also review the importance of all known transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational modifications, including the regulation of GR by microRNAs. Moreover, we discuss the crucial role of the putative GR-bound DNA sequence as an allosteric ligand influencing GR structure and activity. Finally, we describe how the differential composition and distinct regulation at multiple levels of different GR species could account for the wide and diverse effects of glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Vandevyver
- Inflammation Research Center (S.V., L.D., C.L.), Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, B9052 Ghent, Belgium; and Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology (S.V., L.D., C.L.), Ghent University, B9052 Ghent, Belgium
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25
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Nicolaides NC, Roberts ML, Kino T, Braatvedt G, Hurt DE, Katsantoni E, Sertedaki A, Chrousos GP, Charmandari E. A novel point mutation of the human glucocorticoid receptor gene causes primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance through impaired interaction with the LXXLL motif of the p160 coactivators: dissociation of the transactivating and transreppressive activities. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:E902-7. [PMID: 24483153 PMCID: PMC4010692 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-3005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance is a rare genetic disorder characterized by generalized, partial, target-tissue insensitivity to glucocorticoids. The molecular basis of the condition has been ascribed to inactivating mutations in the human glucocorticoid receptor (hGR) gene. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to present three new cases caused by a novel mutation in the hGR gene and to delineate the molecular mechanisms through which the mutant receptor impairs glucocorticoid signal transduction. DESIGN AND RESULTS The index case (father) and his two daughters presented with increased urinary free cortisol excretion and resistance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to dexamethasone suppression in the absence of clinical manifestations suggestive of Cushing syndrome. All subjects harbored a novel, heterozygous, point mutation (T→G) at nucleotide position 1724 of the hGR gene, which resulted in substitution of valine by glycine at amino acid 575 of the receptor. Compared with the wild-type receptor, the hGRαV575G demonstrated a significant (33%) reduction in its ability to transactivate the mouse mammary tumor virus promoter in response to dexamethasone, a 50% decrease in its affinity for the ligand, and a 2.5-fold delay in nuclear translocation. Although it did not exert a dominant negative effect on the wild-type receptor and preserved its ability to bind to DNA, hGRαV575G displayed significantly enhanced (∼80%) ability to transrepress the nuclear factor-κΒ signaling pathway. Finally, the mutant receptor hGRαV575G demonstrated impaired interaction with the LXXLL motif of the glucocorticoid receptor-interacting protein 1 coactivator in vitro and in computer-based structural simulation via its defective activation function-2 (AF-2) domain. CONCLUSIONS The natural mutant receptor hGRαV575G causes primary generalized glucocorticoid resistance by affecting multiple steps in the glucocorticoid signaling cascade, including the affinity for the ligand, the time required for nuclear translocation, and the interaction with the glucocorticoid-interacting protein-1 coactivator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes (N.C.N., M.L.R., A.S., G.P.C., E.C.), First Department of Pediatrics, University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, and Divisions of Endocrinology and Metabolism (N.C.N., M.L.R., A.S., G.P.C., E.C.) and Hematology (E.K.), Clinical Research Center, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece; Unit on Molecular Hormone Action (T.K.), Program in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, and Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch (D.E.H.), Office of Cyber Infrastructure and Computational Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892; and Department of Medicine (G.B.), University of Auckland, 1142 Auckland, New Zealand
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